United Nations Day 2018. Let's celebrate cooperation!

Photo: UN/Rick Bajornas

On this UN Day, let’s celebrate cooperation! If we are to solve the greatest challenges of our time, we need more – not less – international cooperation.

Norway was one of the 51 founding nations of the United Nations in 1945 – 73 years ago. The UN has been an important organisation ever since, and is more relevant today than ever before. In order to reach our goals on climate change, security, inclusive and sustainable development, clean oceans, and free trade, we need effective multilateral institutions like the United Nations.

Rules-based multilateral cooperation is vital if we are to solve the greatest challenges of our time. However, multilateral cooperation is currently under pressure. Isolationism and protectionism are challenging the rules-based world order and hindering collaboration between states.

The important work of the United Nations does not always make the headlines. Today is anopportunity to bring to mind the crucial work the UN does. For example, every year the UN provides vaccination for 45 % of the world’s children. This helps save 3 million lives every year. The UN supports maternal health, helping over 1 million women every month overcome pregnancy risks.

The UN has made it possible for us to agree on a roadmap to the world we want. The adoption of Agenda 2030 with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals demonstrated the unique value of the United Nations. These goals recognise that global challenges are also national challenges, and that they are closely interlinked.

For seven decades, Norway has been a consistent supporter of the United Nations and a rules-based multilateral order. We are one of the largest financial contributors to the UN. We consistently allocate 1 % of our gross national income to development aid. Norway will continue to be a consistent partner to the UN. We will continue to seek common solutions to the challenges we face in our common future.